Basil Pesto
A vibrant and flavorful basil pesto that can be used in pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip. This homemade version is fresh, easy to make, and uses common ingredients.
NewPublished Mar 9, 2026
Prep Time15 min
Cook TimeNot set
Total15 min
Servings4
DifficultyEasy
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Ingredients
Servings4
Yields 4 servings
- (2 cups) fresh basil leaves
- (1/2 cups) grated Parmesan cheese
- (1/2 cups) extra virgin olive oil
- (1/4 cups) pine nuts
- (3 cloves) garlic
- (1/2 teaspoons) salt
- (1/4 teaspoons) black pepper
- (1 tablespoon) lemon juice
Instructions
- 1
In a food processor, combine 2 cups fresh basil leaves, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/3 cup pine nuts, and 3 cloves garlic.
- 2
Pulse the mixture until finely chopped, about 15-20 seconds.
- 3
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil until the pesto is smooth and creamy.
- 4
Add 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Pulse again to combine.
- 5
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then transfer the pesto to a jar or container.
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